Spectacular UFC knockout came remarkably close to being a disqualification

Eryk Anders wasn't a kicker on the gridiron, but he's certainly talented at the craft inside the Octagon.

Former University of Alabama footballer Eryk Anders got back in the win column in absolutely spectacular fashion at UFC Lincoln. 'Ya Boy' scored a sensational head kick knockout against Tim Williams to bounce back from that split decision loss to former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. After being tested in the opening frames, Anders grew into the fight the longer it went on. Williams likely won the somewhat lacklustre first frame with his wrestling prowess. After that, Anders started letting his hands go, clipping his adversary several times. The coup de grace came with just 18 seconds left in the fight. Anders dropped Williams with a kick up top. As Williams tried to get back to his feet, Anders wound up a seismic kick to the dome that knocked him clean out. At first glance, it looked like the finish may have been an illegal soccer kick.

https://twitter.com/UFCONFOX/status/1033546372442611712

Timed to perfection

Nebraska adopted the new ABC unified rules of MMA which meant two things. Firstly, instant replays were in play, but only for fight-ending sequences. So they got to look at the tape to ensure the correct call was made. Which it was. Secondly, it meant the newer version of the grounded opponent rule was observed. If you're unfamiliar, let the Association of Boxing Commissions educate you.

A grounded fighter is defined as: Any part of the body, other than a single hand and soles of the feet touching the fighting area floor. To be grounded, both hands palm/fist down, and/or any other body part must be touching the fighting area floor. A single knee, arm, makes the fighter grounded without having to have any other body part in touch with the fighting area floor. At this time, kicks or knees to the head will not be allowed.

Williams was standing on two feet with his fingertips touching the canvas when the shin connected with his skull. This meant that he wasn't a grounded opponent. Had the kick landed a split second earlier, it would have been a foul and a disqualification for Anders.

Anders improves to 11-1 (3-1 UFC) with his eighth finish. Meanwhile, 'The South Jersey Strangler" drops to 15-5 (0-2 UFC).